Microchip Technology MAPLAD36KP160CA

Overview

MAPLAD36KP160CA from Microsemi is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace and automotive systems. It delivers 36,000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, clamps transients to ≤259 V at 10 A IPP, and features a 160 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% tolerance. It meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 secondary lightning protection with 42 Ω source impedance.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD36KP160CA datasheet, MAPLAD36KP160CA pinout, MAPLAD36KP160CA application, or MAPLAD36KP160CA equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 160 V VWM rating, 259 V max clamping voltage at 10 A, thermal resistance of 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case, and compliance with AEC-Q101 and MIL-PRF-19500 screening options.

Technical Context

This TVS diode uses an avalanche breakdown mechanism to clamp fast-rising transients, with a typical response time under 5 ns. Its bidirectional construction enables symmetrical clamping for AC-coupled or floating signal lines, and its low R_θJC (1.0 °C/W) supports high-reliability mounting on thermally optimized PCB pads per recommended layout.

The device operates across –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature range and maintains stable V_(BR) with αV_(BR) = 195 mV/°C. It is surge-tested per IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD), IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT), and RTCA/DO-160F Waveform 4 & 5A for pin injection immunity-enabling use in avionics power inputs and data bus interfaces without external series impedance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD36KP160CA is housed in a void-free transfer-molded thermosetting epoxy PLAD package (UL94V-0), measuring 12.32–12.57 mm × 10.54–10.80 mm × 3.68–3.94 mm (L×W×H), with tin-plated terminals solderable per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026. The metal base serves as the common terminal for both polarities.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.

Compared with SMBJ160CA and SMCJ160CA, MAPLAD36KP160CA provides 24× and 24× higher peak pulse power respectively, validated thermal performance for sustained surge duty cycles, and formal qualification for aerospace lightning standards-making it irreplaceable in safety-critical, high-energy environments.

Availability

MAPLAD36KP160CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power input protection, automotive load dump suppression, industrial Ethernet port hardening, and railway signaling interface protection requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MAPLAD36KP160CA includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Microsemi Corporation (now part of Microchip Technology) designs high-reliability semiconductor solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets, with emphasis on radiation-hardened ICs, timing devices, and protected power components.

The MAPLAD36KP160CA belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning protection in certified avionics and mission-critical automotive systems where standard TVS diodes fail.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD36KP160CA at its rated peak pulse current?

The MAPLAD36KP160CA has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 259 V at 10 A peak pulse current (I_PP) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 3 in the RF01216 datasheet and ensures downstream circuitry remains below safe voltage thresholds during standardized surge events. The clamping behavior is repeatable across temperature and lifetime due to Microsemi's wafer-level lot traceability and 3σ screening on standby current.

Is MAPLAD36KP160CA suitable for RTCA DO-160 Section 22 lightning testing?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP160CA is explicitly validated for RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing. Its 36,000 W peak pulse power rating, <5 ns response time, and bidirectional construction enable it to meet Level 4 and Level 5 pin injection requirements for Waveforms 4 and 5A. The device's thermal design and low R_θJC allow it to survive repeated strokes without parameter shift-confirmed by Microsemi's internal surge testing protocol referenced in RF01216 Rev B.

Does MAPLAD36KP160CA require a heatsink for operation?

MAPLAD36KP160CA does not require an external heatsink for single-event surge suppression, but its 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance is intended for direct mounting to a thermally robust PCB pad (minimum 100 cm² 2-oz copper with ≥6 thermal vias). For applications involving repetitive surges or elevated ambient temperatures (>85 °C), a dedicated heatsink attached to the metal base improves steady-state power handling beyond the 71 W rating at T_C = 100 °C.

What is the meaning of the "CA" suffix in MAPLAD36KP160CA?

The "CA" suffix in MAPLAD36KP160CA denotes bidirectional construction, distinguishing it from unidirectional variants ending in "A". In bidirectional TVS diodes like MAPLAD36KP160CA, both terminals exhibit identical avalanche characteristics-enabling symmetrical clamping for AC signals, differential buses, or floating grounds. The cathode is the metal base (common terminal), and polarity markings apply only to unidirectional versions; CA devices have no anode/cathode orientation during installation.

Can MAPLAD36KP160CA replace older PLAD-series TVS diodes in existing designs?

MAPLAD36KP160CA is a direct replacement for legacy PLAD36KP160CA units with identical package dimensions, pinout, and electrical specifications per RF01216 Rev B. It maintains full compatibility with existing PCB footprints, thermal pads, and schematic symbols. No layout changes are required, and the updated Microsemi/Microchip manufacturing process retains the same AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-160F validation, and MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening options as prior lots.